Welsh Management Floundering

“Gatland said had he quit after the 2015 tournament, he would have left the job “half done. He told BBC Radio 5 live: “There’s a group of players who honestly believe they are capable of winning the World Cup in 2015… so that’s hugely exciting.” BBC Sport website, 16th December 2013

“It’s not that unusual because Wales have done something very similar with Warren Gatland. Lancaster has barely put a foot wrong in his three years in charge so far, but it is still a pretty massive show of faith in Lancaster and his coaches to say that whatever happens in the World Cup next year, and even if the World Cup is a disaster, you are still the man to take us through to the next one.”Chris Jones, BBC Sport website 1st October 2014

“I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team’s performance,” said Lancaster. BBC Sport Website 11th November 2015

Currently, Wales are apparently attempting an evolution of playing style. Some might say it needs to be a revolution, so far have Wales fallen behind the best nations in the World, but I’ll stick with evolution.

Its not an easy thing to do in some ways, so one would expect all hands on deck. However, the captain of the ship, Warren Gatland, is off on B&I Lions’ duty. Recently, he’s apparently been informing any who would like to hear that he’s having an easy time of it, attending lots of meals to satisfy the sponsors, and putting in an appearance at the odd match, so his face is seen by the cameras.

When you hear that has been said, as a fan of Wales that may get the blood boiling somewhat. Of course, satisfying sponsors is vitally important on a tour that gives the opposition a sight more than it gives the Home Unions, but it needs paying for.

Considering the man left in charge is Rob Howley, one wonders even more about 1)the Wisdom of Roger Lewis extending Warren Gatland’s contract in 2013 for do long 2)Having a free reign to join the Lions’ coaching team should he be asked, written into his new, huge, contract 3) The wisdom of allowing Gatland to reappoint his coaching team en bloc, even though recent results prior to the reappointments, after 2013 have been far from inspiring.

But that is the situation we are left with and one that is unlikely to change soon. I’ve never been a huge fan of Rob Howley. He was backs coach for the Cardiff Blues and the team didn’t progress overly much, in fact you could say it went backwards. Since joining Wales he has been at the mercy of Warren Gatland – and him still being there, you can draw the conclusion that he is doing exactly what is being asked of him.

I do feel a little sorry for him at present though. A caretaker coach, which is what Howley is doing at the moment, is normally in a position where he has a genuine opportunity to stake a claim for a job. He’s usually not a seat warmer. He has the chance to put his own stamp on things, and impress the players with his fresh ideas and his employers too.

He doesn’t have that now. From what we are aware of, Gatland returns after the Lions. Therefore, Howley is in a very awkward position. He cant, even if he is capable, enter the fray with brand new ideas and dazzle the players. This is into the 10th year of management for him and his second spell as caretaker. Unless there is an elaborate ploy to hide the fact Gatland is on his way after June, all Howley is doing is putting into play the work that Gatland will continue on his return. He has to, there is no other way.

This all leaves us with the question of whether Gatland’s ideas are good enough for modern rugby. On past evidence, the overwhelming answer to that is no. We haven’t won a Championship since 2013. We have not regularly beaten a team on top of their game when it really matters, with the exception of the “Rorke’s Drift” re-enactment against Ireland at the Principality Stadium two years ago.

Injuries or not, the World Cup exit was an indictment of the poor tactics we have been lumbered with for too long under Gatland and Howley. We beat a poorly managed England, but lost to Australia, who weren’t on top of their game at that stage, and were down to 13 men during the game. We also lost to South Africa who have been in decline for some time.

The situation we are in is a direct result of that contract renewal for Gatland, and then allowing him to re-appoint his trusty lieutenants. It’s a very sad state of affairs that the players he said believed were capable of winning a World Cup are being made to look more and more ordinary the longer they play for Wales.

Its also very sad that either the WRU are unable to pay off the coaching team that are driving the National team into the ground, or they believe there is no reason for a change. I really hope it is the former. Contrast how England dealt with Lancaster after the World Cup. Its time to listen to the fans who watch and have watched the game year in year out, not just the eventers, valuable as they are to the sport.

Too many of my friends are walking away from the International game, and are doubting their support for the Pro game too, because of the lack of professionalism in the administration of that sport. The game is approaching a crossroads, I just hope those in charge act quick enough before it’s too late.